Inquirer Libre steps out of the train and heads to bus stations, where it will be distributed in six terminals of JAM Liner starting Monday.
Since 2001, the tabloid has been the dominant free newspaper distributed at stations of Metro Manila’s three light rail systems—LRT 1 and 2, and MRT 3.
Monday marks Inquirer Libre’s debut in bus terminals. Copies of the country’s No. 1 free newspaper will be available to the public in JAM Liner terminals on Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia) in Pasay City, in Cubao in Quezon City, in Lipa City in Batangas and Balibago (Sta. Rosa City), and in Cabuyao and Biñan City in Laguna.
The six terminals were selected because of their big volume of passengers.
Today also marks the first time that Inquirer Libre is distributed outside of Metro Manila.
More than 41,000 passengers
JAM Liner, the lead company of the JAM group, has a fleet of some 300 buses serving southern Luzon. It has an average daily passenger volume of more than 41,000.
Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, Inquirer president and CEO, attended JAM Liner’s 45th anniversary celebration Sunday at the transport company’s newly refurbished Gil Puyat terminal on Taft Avenue in Pasay City.
“It’s obvious that your president, Dennise Trajano, really wants to take JAM to farther heights and we’re so happy and so proud that the Inquirer is part of this future,” Romualdez said.
Inquirer chief operating officer Rene R. Reinoso hailed the new Inquirer-JAM Liner collaboration.
“Our partnership with JAM Liner further expands Inquirer Libre’s service footprint from its current readers to more potential readers who can now enjoy having news and information for free.
“This new distribution channel for Inquirer Libre in southern Luzon is considered a key step toward providing added value to newspaper readers and consumers in one of the fastest-growing economic and business regions outside Metro Manila,” Reinoso said.
Customer service
Christine B. Guevarra, JAM Liner’s vice president for marketing, said: “Exceeding customer expectations is our main priority. Therefore, aside from our physical improvements and technological innovations, we aim to offer no less than exceptional customer service at all times.
“Additionally, we would like to give ‘more value’ to our service, and our partnership with Inquirer Libre is one of our major steps in fulfilling it,” she said.
PBA Hardcourt Action
Aside from the daily edition, Monday’s initial distribution will include copies of Libre-PBA Hardcourt Action, a free magazine produced by Inquirer Libre, with articles focusing on the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Recently, the Inquirer Libre’s online edition was offered free through the Inquirer Digital Newsstand.
The Inquirer Digital Newsstand’s Internet site can be opened via a PC and laptop. A free app is available to users of iPhones and iPads, and android tablets.